Pedals and shoes
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Pedals and shoes
I am assuming most ride spd style I do as well but may try going with egg beaters anyone use and what's opinion?
I am also looking at road shoes with ability to go with spd cleats vs mtb shoes
Thoughts
I am also looking at road shoes with ability to go with spd cleats vs mtb shoes
Thoughts
#2
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I am also looking at road shoes with ability to go with spd cleats vs mtb shoes
If by "road shoe" you mean a shoe that looks and feels kind of like a road shoe, but which does feature a cleat recession, then go for it.
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Tons of people use egg beaters on gravel bikes. It works.
If by "road shoe" you mean a shoe that can fit a 2-bolt cleat but which is not recessed, I would strongly avoid. Walking on MTB cleats on shoes that lack a recession is far worse than even walking on road cleats.
If by "road shoe" you mean a shoe that looks and feels kind of like a road shoe, but which does feature a cleat recession, then go for it.
If by "road shoe" you mean a shoe that can fit a 2-bolt cleat but which is not recessed, I would strongly avoid. Walking on MTB cleats on shoes that lack a recession is far worse than even walking on road cleats.
If by "road shoe" you mean a shoe that looks and feels kind of like a road shoe, but which does feature a cleat recession, then go for it.
Walking is at times important
The egg beaters look light and cheap
Thanks
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I walk in my shoes before and after rides, so there is 0 interest in road shoes.
My mtb shoes dont hold me back in any way. Until I cut weight and put out a ton more watts, road shoes needn't be considered for me. What I have are light enough, comfortable, and stiff enough.
My mtb shoes dont hold me back in any way. Until I cut weight and put out a ton more watts, road shoes needn't be considered for me. What I have are light enough, comfortable, and stiff enough.
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I walk in my shoes before and after rides, so there is 0 interest in road shoes.
My mtb shoes dont hold me back in any way. Until I cut weight and put out a ton more watts, road shoes needn't be considered for me. What I have are light enough, comfortable, and stiff enough.
My mtb shoes dont hold me back in any way. Until I cut weight and put out a ton more watts, road shoes needn't be considered for me. What I have are light enough, comfortable, and stiff enough.
#7
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I've got eggbeaters. Love them. Getting in and out of them are a breeze. Super light. Yeah, they need to be serviced once a year but it takes about an hour and you don't need to take them off the bike to do it. Another bonus is that if someone tries to nick your bike they'll have a difficult time trying to get away as it's difficult to ride eggbeaters without cleats.
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Shimano XC-7 or XC-9
I got the 9 on clearance. Very light, very efficient, fairly stiff.
Fizik makes some nice shoes with a single boa.
My wife has a shoe that takes 2 or 3 bolt cleats. But with no lugs, you can't really walk in them - so no real benefit to use the 2-bolt cleats. I don't think they have ever been worn. ;-)
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I have some. Technically they are a road shoe in a Cross configuration - i.e. 2 bolt hole that you can walk in (just have to be careful not to order the 3 bolt version).
Shimano XC-7 or XC-9
I got the 9 on clearance. Very light, very efficient, fairly stiff.
Fizik makes some nice shoes with a single boa.
My wife has a shoe that takes 2 or 3 bolt cleats. But with no lugs, you can't really walk in them - so no real benefit to use the 2-bolt cleats. I don't think they have ever been worn. ;-)
Shimano XC-7 or XC-9
I got the 9 on clearance. Very light, very efficient, fairly stiff.
Fizik makes some nice shoes with a single boa.
My wife has a shoe that takes 2 or 3 bolt cleats. But with no lugs, you can't really walk in them - so no real benefit to use the 2-bolt cleats. I don't think they have ever been worn. ;-)
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Here is a review:
https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mt...-boa-closures/
https://singletrackworld.com/2018/05...in-bike-shoes/
2 hole version https://www.backcountry.com/shimano-...ycle-shoe-mens
3 hole version https://www.backcountry.com/shimano-...ling-shoe-mens
Converting a road shoe to 2 bolt is an interesting idea. Theoretically you just need to drill 2 holes and then use that screw backing plate that all 2-hole SPD shoes have. No idea how durable that would be.
Last edited by chas58; 10-22-19 at 11:02 AM.
#11
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I loved my old Sidi Genius road shoes and finally got around to buying a similar pair for the gravel bike last week. Sidi Dominator 7 in Mega for my wide feet. 2 bolt cleat for my SPD's. Why did I wait so long! They fit great and are so much stiffer than the Pearl Izumi Mtn. Bike shoes I'd been wearing for a couple years. Just riding my normal 25 mile gravel route I immediately noticed a difference on the climbs. I was climbing the rises in one gear higher thanks to the stiff soles.
#12
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I was looking for a smoother faster looking shoe than a standard std mtb type. I ride mostly raid trail stuff 50% and road 50% so the idea of a road shoe appeals to me. But the point of not being able to walk about is valid. I want to good looking sleek shoe to do it all. Egg beaters seem cool and maybe some laced up giro types.
I'd say that the Giro is heavier than some options, but durable and comfortable. The Eggbeaters are great to engage when things get muddy. Avoid Eggbeater 1, they don't last long in harsh conditions. I've been happy with the Eggbeater 3.
#13
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Forgot to post a picture of my shoes and cleats .... see they're clean in messy conditions.
Ride - 2018 Filthy 50
Photo credit - Devin Tolleson
Ride - 2018 Filthy 50
Photo credit - Devin Tolleson
Last edited by Hypno Toad; 10-22-19 at 02:42 PM. Reason: typo
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Nope, you just have a choice of buying the 2 hole (spd) or 3 hole (road) version of the shoe. The are cross country race shoes (or CX shoes - you can screw in cleats for running up hills) - so basically stiff aero road shoes with 2bolts and a little bit of tread for walking.
Here is a review:
https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mt...-boa-closures/
https://singletrackworld.com/2018/05...in-bike-shoes/
2 hole version https://www.backcountry.com/shimano-...ycle-shoe-mens
3 hole version https://www.backcountry.com/shimano-...ling-shoe-mens
Converting a road shoe to 2 bolt is an interesting idea. Theoretically you just need to drill 2 holes and then use that screw backing plate that all 2-hole SPD shoes have. No idea how durable that would be.
Here is a review:
https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mt...-boa-closures/
https://singletrackworld.com/2018/05...in-bike-shoes/
2 hole version https://www.backcountry.com/shimano-...ycle-shoe-mens
3 hole version https://www.backcountry.com/shimano-...ling-shoe-mens
Converting a road shoe to 2 bolt is an interesting idea. Theoretically you just need to drill 2 holes and then use that screw backing plate that all 2-hole SPD shoes have. No idea how durable that would be.
Carry on! Sorry for side tracking thread!
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I ride Eggbeaters with Giro Republic shoes. I use this same set up on my road bikes and gravel bikes. My idea of gravel includes the worst conditions (snow and 28F); and (but not the same ride) 240-mile day of gravel.
I'd say that the Giro is heavier than some options, but durable and comfortable. The Eggbeaters are great to engage when things get muddy. Avoid Eggbeater 1, they don't last long in harsh conditions. I've been happy with the Eggbeater 3.
I'd say that the Giro is heavier than some options, but durable and comfortable. The Eggbeaters are great to engage when things get muddy. Avoid Eggbeater 1, they don't last long in harsh conditions. I've been happy with the Eggbeater 3.
I was initially attracted to the egg beaters because of low price before knowing they came in several levels 1. 2. 3 not sure difference but 1 seem to cheap
2 or 3 I need to compare
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Out of my look league
$100 range more my speed
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Depends on the ride.
If the route is a mix of reasonably groomed gravel/dirt roads and pavement - I use road pedals and shoes.
If the route is sloppy or technical and/or has any single track - I use mtn bike shoes and EggBeaters.
Biggest risk to ^that^ method is showing up to a ride with mtn bike shoes and road pedals ;-)
If the route is a mix of reasonably groomed gravel/dirt roads and pavement - I use road pedals and shoes.
If the route is sloppy or technical and/or has any single track - I use mtn bike shoes and EggBeaters.
Biggest risk to ^that^ method is showing up to a ride with mtn bike shoes and road pedals ;-)
#19
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I was looking for a smoother faster looking shoe than a standard std mtb type. I ride mostly raid trail stuff 50% and road 50% so the idea of a road shoe appeals to me. But the point of not being able to walk about is valid. I want to good looking sleek shoe to do it all. Egg beaters seem cool and maybe some laced up giro types.
Only downside, is I have to put on my cycling shoes away from the ctats.
Eggbeaters....are great for mudshedding like in a CX race. The caveats being:
- You need to buy the "optional" sole protector plates. They are not optional at all--as the pedals will chew up your shoes
- They have problems with lifespan, especially given that you can get higher-tier Shimano SPD for the same $$$. Bearings tend to need overhauled often as such things go, X-wings crack, etc.
- They're sloppy, they don't feel floaty like other pedals just sloppy. Lots of lateral/angular play and no adjustment at all. Feels a bit like walking in a mud puddle compared to an SPD where it is direct power more or less.
#20
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It is all about fit. Giros fit a bit narrower than Shimanos. I replaced my XC7 Shimanos with Giro Empire VR90; road-shoe-racinhg-level-stiff and you don't have to worry about BOAs getting clogged with mud. ...or BOAs braking and having to order BOAs for $10USD a pop and paying $10 shipping to get them next week. Giros pop up on sale from time to time if you snipe them--I got my VR90 NIB for 50% off retail.
Only downside, is I have to put on my cycling shoes away from the ctats.
Eggbeaters....are great for mudshedding like in a CX race. The caveats being:
Only downside, is I have to put on my cycling shoes away from the ctats.
Eggbeaters....are great for mudshedding like in a CX race. The caveats being:
- You need to buy the "optional" sole protector plates. They are not optional at all--as the pedals will chew up your shoes
- They have problems with lifespan, especially given that you can get higher-tier Shimano SPD for the same $$$. Bearings tend to need overhauled often as such things go, X-wings crack, etc.
- They're sloppy, they don't feel floaty like other pedals just sloppy. Lots of lateral/angular play and no adjustment at all. Feels a bit like walking in a mud puddle compared to an SPD where it is direct power more or less.
My gravel bike has used Eggbeaters 3 pedals (bought at swap), I've put over 3,000 harsh miles on these pedals without a rebuild. I have Mallet E pedals I've ridden through 4 Minneapolis winters (road salt, snow, slush, sub-zero temps), I typically ride 1,500 to 2,000 miles a winter, no rebuild. My road bike has 8,000 miles on Eggbeater 3 pedals without a rebuild (this is a mostly dry bike).
The plate for the cleat is good, but not needed. The Shimano shoe on the right is over 10 years old and always riding Crank Bros with out plate, the shoe on the left is a newer Giro Republic. Both sets of shoes are breaking down from age long before they are from the pedal wear. I do have the metal cleat plate on my 45NRTH Wölvhammer, those are very expensive winter boots and I'll spend the extra nickel to make sure the cleat doesn't cause an issue.
The float/feel is highly subjective. For my aging knees, the float is needed. Fresh/new cleats have less float, in the pic above the cleat on the right is sloppy, and clearly needs to be replaced ... but these are my shoes for running errands with my commuter bike, so I'm not looking for 'power' and will replace when my foot starts pulling out of the pedal.
If I had one complaint about Crank Bros, it's that the brass cleats don't have a long life. But at $20-$25 per set, it's not a major issue.
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#22
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I loved my old Sidi Genius road shoes and finally got around to buying a similar pair for the gravel bike last week. Sidi Dominator 7 in Mega for my wide feet. 2 bolt cleat for my SPD's. Why did I wait so long! They fit great and are so much stiffer than the Pearl Izumi Mtn. Bike shoes I'd been wearing for a couple years. Just riding my normal 25 mile gravel route I immediately noticed a difference on the climbs. I was climbing the rises in one gear higher thanks to the stiff soles.
Love sidi's
#23
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......
The plate for the cleat is good, but not needed. The Shimano shoe on the right is over 10 years old and always riding Crank Bros with out plate, the shoe on the left is a newer Giro Republic. Both sets of shoes are breaking down from age long before they are from the pedal wear. I do have the metal cleat plate on my 45NRTH Wölvhammer, those are very expensive winter boots and I'll spend the extra nickel to make sure the cleat doesn't cause an issue.
The float/feel is highly subjective. For my aging knees, the float is needed. Fresh/new cleats have less float, in the pic above the cleat on the right is sloppy, and clearly needs to be replaced ... but these are my shoes for running errands with my commuter bike, so I'm not looking for 'power' and will replace when my foot starts pulling out of the pedal.
The plate for the cleat is good, but not needed. The Shimano shoe on the right is over 10 years old and always riding Crank Bros with out plate, the shoe on the left is a newer Giro Republic. Both sets of shoes are breaking down from age long before they are from the pedal wear. I do have the metal cleat plate on my 45NRTH Wölvhammer, those are very expensive winter boots and I'll spend the extra nickel to make sure the cleat doesn't cause an issue.
The float/feel is highly subjective. For my aging knees, the float is needed. Fresh/new cleats have less float, in the pic above the cleat on the right is sloppy, and clearly needs to be replaced ... but these are my shoes for running errands with my commuter bike, so I'm not looking for 'power' and will replace when my foot starts pulling out of the pedal.
Edit - Lots of good info in this video -
#24
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if the route does not require you hiking the bike, road shoe/cleat is fine, I find SPD-SL much easier to clip in compared to SPD due to the size of the cleat. with SPD the cleat is so small I have to attempt multiple times even though the pedal is duel sided
#25
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I got me these. On sale comfy i have not yet put cleats on. Staying with spd's. I will buy new lighter spd pedals more road/gravel focused.